NBA Mock Draft: Rockets Select Duke PG Tyrese Proctor

The Houston Rockets are tired of picking high in the NBA Draft.

While they are presumably grateful to have had three top-five picks in consecutive drafts, the Rockets hope they won't be picking their again in 2024.

By signing Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks this offseason, the Rockets are signaling that they are ready to try and compete for a postseason berth again, especially considering the fact that they don't own complete control of their pick. Only if the selection lands in the top-four will it convey to the Rockets. If not, the Oklahoma City Thunder get the pick as part of the Chris Paul-Russell Westbrook swap back in 2019.

However, the Rockets do own the Brooklyn Nets' first-round pick this year as part of the James Harden trade in early 2021. With the Nets officially done with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, there's potential for Brooklyn's pick to hover towards the top of the draft next year. With the No. 6 overall pick, the Rockets selected Duke guard Tyrese Proctor in CBS Sports' latest mock draft.

"Proctor profiles as a potential second-year breakout candidate at Duke, where in 2022-23 he was one of the younger players in college basketball after reclassifying," CBS Sports writes. "He has a big frame and good playmaking abilities, which should be on full display in 2023-24 as he takes over as the primary facilitator for the Blue Devils."

With six first-round picks on the roster from the past three drafts, it could be a challenge for any high-drafted rookie to crack serious playing time. That being said, Proctor could be a good replacement for Kevin Porter Jr., who only has money fully guaranteed on his contract for 2023-24.

Next offseason could present an opportunity for the Rockets to move on from Porter if they wish, and Proctor could be an ideal replacement.

As a 6-5 combo guard, Proctor has skills that can do it all. He's a big guard that could fit nicely in a rotation with Amen Thompson and Jalen Green, among others.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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